Giants wide receiver Steve Smith got an assurance before the lockout at a time when he was desperately in need of one.

Smith suffered a cartilage tear in a Week 14 win against the Vikings, missed the final three games after microfracture surgery, and reports have doubted whether he will be ready for the start of this NFL season.

All this as he entered free agency.

But after talking with Giants brass before the lockout, Smith said he is confident he will be back in Blue.

“I spoke to (GM) Jerry Reese and Coach (Tom) Coughlin and (owner) Mr. John Mara prior to all this lockout stuff, and they want me back. Hopefully, we can work out the business side of things. And the lockout stuff to work out soon.”

There was speculation that Smith would have to begin the season — if it starts on time — on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. But Smith seems confident his recovery is going well.

“It’s looking good,” Smith said. “The doctors have been impressed and I’m excited about that. … There’s a bunch of tests that I’ve been doing. If I had to start running today, I could. We’re gonna backtrack a couple of things just because of the lockout. We don’t really have to push it so much. But I’m pretty close.”

The Giants likely will have Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham penciled in as their starting receivers. Derek Hagan, Domenik Hixon (recovering from torn ACL), third-round pick Jerrel Jernigan and Duke Calhoun also will compete for roster spots.

There also is the possibility of bringing back Plaxico Burress, who will be released from prison Monday.

“I think we’d be lucky to have Plaxico back on our team just because he’s been through so much,” Smith said of his former teammate, who spent nearly two years in prison after shooting himself in the leg with an unlicensed handgun in November 2008.

“He’s learned from his mistakes, and people won’t forget them, but I feel like he deserves another opportunity. He creates mismatches throughout the field.”

Like Burress, Smith may benefit from the lockout, giving them more time to get into football shape.

“In a sense it has because I can heal up a little bit before decisions have to be made (and) I have some time to get back on my feet,” said Smith, who had 48 catches for 529 yards last season before the injury.

“At the same time, we’re in a time of uncertainty and I kind of want to know what’s going to happen.”